You don't need to spend hundreds on a ready-made survival kit. Most households can meet the government's 3-day advice for around £50, because most of what you need is already at home.
Step 1: Gather what you already have (£0)
- Tins and dry food you normally eat
- Blankets, warm layers, hats and gloves
- Any existing first aid supplies and medicines
- Wet wipes, bin bags and toilet roll
- Copies of documents (print them for free at home or the library)
- Cash — this isn't spending, just setting money aside
Step 2: Buy the gaps (around £40–£55)
| Item | Approx. cost |
|---|---|
| Wind-up torch | £8–£10 |
| Wind-up FM radio | £15–£20 |
| Power bank (10,000mAh) | £12–£15 |
| Bottled water (2 people, 18L+) | £4–£8 |
| Manual tin opener (if needed) | £3 |
Typical UK prices; check current prices before buying.
Ways to save
- Buy a radio with a built-in torch and USB charging — one gadget instead of three.
- Add one or two items to each weekly shop instead of buying everything at once.
- Use supermarket own-brand water, batteries and tins.
- Skip the "survival" branding. A £10 camping lantern does the same job as a £30 "emergency" one.
When to spend more
If someone at home is elderly, has a medical condition or uses powered medical equipment, spend on reliable power first — see our kit for elderly parents and power station guide.
Tick off what you've got with the printable checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy a ready-made emergency kit?
No. Most of what you need is already at home. Gathering it in one place and buying a few gaps is usually cheaper than a ready-made kit.
What are the most important items to buy?
A torch, a battery or wind-up radio, a power bank and drinking water are the main gaps most households need to fill.